Italy’s Parma seeks closer cooperation with Gomel Oblast

Italy’s Parma is ready to expand all-round cooperation with Gomel Oblast, including the implementation of humanitarian projects and setting up joint companies, President of the Italian association Help for Children Parma Giancarlo Veneri told BelTA. He is heading the Italian delegation that is on a five-day visit to Gomel Oblast.

Giancarlo Veneri noted that the cooperation between Italy’s Parma and Gomel Oblast started 20 years ago and has changed a lot since then. The cooperation started with humanitarian projects and gradually added three new areas: education (exchange of experience for young specialists of Gomel Oblast), economy (setting up joint manufacturing facilities) and the creation of a barrier-free environment.

“We pay a traditional visit to Gomel Oblast in January in order to outline our plans for the new year. The association has been initiating new areas in mutually beneficial cooperation between the Italian province and Gomel Oblast in various sectors, including the economic area. Therefore, during the meeting with the Gomel Oblast authorities we plan to discuss the future visit of Parma Mayor Federico Pizzarotti. The visit is scheduled for May 2016,” said Giancarlo Veneri.

While in Gomel Oblast, the Italian guests will talk over the events planned for joint implementation with the international charity public association Help for Chernobyl Children to mark the 30th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident.